By design, Hybrids (including plug-in Hybrids or PHEVs) emit lower levels of carbon dioxide than traditional gasoline powered cars. But how significant is the CO2 reduction? Very significant. Read on!

Below is a comparison of the annual CO2 emissions, measured in metric tons, of a range of gasoline, hybrid and plug in hybrid vehicles. The significant reduction in CO2 as the result of increasing electric power is staggering. The Honda Accord PHEV emits 57% less CO2 than the gasoline powered model (2.0 vs. 4.6 metric tons/year*). Over the typical 10 year service life of the Honda Accord, that equates to a reduction of 26 metric tons of CO2 by driving the PHEV model in place of the gasoline powered model. Similarly the #2 selling electric vehicle, the Ford Fusion Energi, reduces CO2 by 60% from 4.8 to 1.9 metric tons of CO2.